Scotland: St. Andrews

On our last day in Scotland, we took a quick morning trip over to St. Andrews. We didn't have a lot of time, but we did enjoy St. Andrews Cathedral ruins, St. Andrews Castle, and the University of St. Andrews.

We also enjoyed some delicious Indian food before heading for the airport.

Scotland: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

As we were driving to Loch Ness, we saw a sign for a public toilet on the side of the road. At that stop we saw a beautiful river and two stone bridges. I wish we had planned more time for just hiking through these mountains and along these rivers...

When we arrived at Urquhart Castle, (no surprise) it began raining again. Also, I wasn't feeling well. I took a few photos - all posted here - then I went and sat down in the cafe while the kids and Erick explored the castle ruins more in depth.

With the clouds and fog, I felt that the ruins and the lake felt much more mysterious than they had when I visited before. It seemed much more likely that the Loch Ness Monster might make an appearance. The kids looked fervently, but didn't see anything unusual.

After exploring outside, we all ate lunch in the cafe. The kids and Erick tried Irn Bru soda for the first time (not pictured). I still don't really like it, but the kids thought it was alright.

Quick history: Urquhart Castle was the center of much excitement during the middle ages. The Scottish Clans and the English battled over it repeatedly, and ownership of the castle changed hands multiple times. In the 1300s, Urquhart was the only Highland castle able to hold out against the English.

The main tower, called Grant Tower, was built in the 1500s.

In the late 1600s during the first of the Jacobite Risings, Urquhart became a garrison. In 1692 soldiers blew up the castle. It then fell into disrepair.

It is now one of the most visited castles in Scotland. (info from www.historicenvironment.scot)

The Slovak Republic: Devin Castle

Over Columbus Day this month, we took a drive over to the Slovak Republic. Our first stop was Devin Castle. Devin castle is located on the shore right where the Danube and Morava rivers meet.

The first settlement in this location is believed to have been built in the 5th century B.C. Throughout history, this fortress had many purposes. It has served as a boundary fortress, a military station, and a trade center. It was blown up by Napoleon’s army in 1809. It soon fell into disrepair. In 1939, it became the property of Czechoslovakia. In 1961, it was declared a national cultural monument (www.welcometobratislava.eu).

We started by walking along the river outside of the castle walls. The weather in Bratislava was sunny and bright. But here, near Devin Castle, the fog was so thick we could barely see the river. There were moments that we couldn't even see the castle. 

Inside the walls, they had an outdoor modern art exhibit on display. It was fun to see some of the unusual art. Also, for curious travelers, the bathrooms were super modern and clean and beautiful. After visiting my share of ruins in Europe, I was so surprised and impressed.

The well (pictured below), which is still located in the courtyard, was dug in the 15th century and is 55 meters deep. The boys poured water into the well and counted (very quickly) to 10 before they heard the water splash. They were very impressed with the depth.

We loved exploring the ruins and watching the goats and a donkey graze in the fields. 

Definitely check out Devin Castle if you are near Bratislava!